Next Week! Beginning Bookbinding at Spruill Feb 20th-March20th Afternoon Class Begins

BEGINNING BOOKBINDING WITH ANNE ELSER

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Course Number:

141PPBB010

Dates:

Thursday, February 20 - March 20, 2014
    Check for other dates or times

Sessions:

5

Meets:

1:30 PM to 4:30 PM

Instructor:

Anne Elser

Fee:

$180  Fee Breakdown

Course Description

If you enjoy stitching, paper, and color in the company of good friends, you'll love this beginning bookbinding class. In Bookbinding 1, discover the fascinating anatomy of a book from cover to spine to fly sheet and how to make one sing in the spirit of good craftsmanship while celebrating your own aesthetic. Not only will you learn to make books (4!) and a custom slipcase for one of them, you'll be making the tools used to create them that make the process easy and enjoyable. Detailed handouts and an inventive and caring instructor are waiting for your heart and hands. This course is great for all crafters, artists, and scrapbookers of all levels and for those who want help in luring their creative side to the surface. Projects included: Piercing Cradle, The Merfect, Side Stab Books, Coptic Book with Visible Spine, Tape Bound Book, Slip Case, and a Case Bound Book. Supply List available on www.spruillarts.org.

   
See Supply List below for this course.

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There are still openings remaining at this time.

A valid credit card will be required for payment. Please have your card information ready.

The broad and generous strokes of the Italic calligraphic hand

Many calligraphic newcomers ask me whether to start with Italic or Copperplate. Both of my classes are geared towards beginners, so both are appropriate. But I learned Italic first, which lead into Copperplate and I believe it made the transition easier for me. I can tell you that knowing both, has enhanced the other.

Many of my students come to me with a heavy preference for copperplate over italic, because it is so expressive and feminine with its lovely loops, cusps, and tails. I get that. But I can tell you I get equal pleasure using the broad edge pen, because of the wide, meaty, and generous amount of ink I'm able to lay down on the thirsty paper. If you're a painter, definitely start with the broad edge, because you'll soon be working wet into wet like watercolorists do as they grace the page with a brush.

Here's an interesting historical tidbit I read in an article entitled "Write On" for Family Tree Magazine by David A. Fryxell in preparation for National Handwriting day last month:

"Humanists of the Italian Renaissance rebelled against the harsh forms of Gothic Script, reverting to a version of Carolingian writing. Some credit Niccolo Niccoli, a 15th-century Italian, with giving this script its distinctively modern slant. Dubbed "italic," after Italy, this simple style of writing was the precursor to cursive, although not all letters were linked."

So! I do recommend Italic first, because from a historical point of view, it makes complete sense to gear you up for the lovely linking Copperplate thrives upon. And there is a tiny thrill I get when switching from Italic to Copperplate, knowing I'm repeating an important part of history, OUR history, in doing so.

My next Italic class begins next week on Thursday, February 20th, 2014 from 6-9PM at Spruill Center for the Arts. It is a 5-week course and full of goodies, the least of which is the social experience of making beautiful calming marks on paper, with a new group of like-minded people who could likely be new friends for life, including myself. :D

Love to all,

~Anne

CALLIGRAPHY: ITALIC WITH ANNE ELSER 

Beginner/intermediate•5 sessions• 6-9PM• Feb 20, 27 Mar 6, 13, 20•Min.5/Max.10•Spruill Center for the Arts

The Italic calligraphic hand is one of the most widely used and versatile alphabets around. It's generously wide strokes, produced with a broad edge nib, can easily be dressed up or down. Italic is the perfect hand to learn for the beginning calligrapher yet versatile enough to experiment with for the advanced. During the five-week course, students will be given handouts and guide sheets, learning the upper and lower case characters. We will also address spacing and layout for addressing envelopes. This class is appropriate for Beginner to Intermediate students.

Make your own ink recipe!

Hi, All.

I've finally put together a supply list and basic instructions for those who want to mix their own calligraphy inks. Click this link to download a PDF of the instructions! And have fun!

~Anne

Baby Gift: Hand-Painted Handkerchief celebrating the birth of a new person!

Using Jacquard Textile Permanent Fabric Paints and a Pentel brush, I paint on a variety of fabrics from cotton, cotton jersey, linen, vintage hand towels, and hankies. This takes time, and I love doing it. Wedding Gifts, Baby Shower Gifts, monograms, sentiments, graduation gifts, and more - there are many ways to tell a person they're wonderful. This hankie was painted on soft pink fine linen, and hand stitched with a rolled hem using matching thread. These can be machine washed easily, without compromising the hand lettering in any way. 

This soft pink made adding opaque white accents to the soft grey really fun.

Here's a closeup of the finished painted hankie. Next step is to hand stitch a rolled hem. And numbers - there's nothing sexier than beautiful numerals that visually speak to one another. 

The sketch. First done in pencil, I use a light table to illuminated the way of the brush strokes, tracing as I work with a fine brush and permanent fabric paint.

The linen colors I work with - cut, ironed and ready to be painted and stitched.

My light table: Here's the linen on top of the sketch, which I outline in black marker so it's more easily seen through the linen.

The painting has begun and you can see the marker sketch underneath the linen, guiding my way.

The final piece, ready to be shipped and sent away to its forever home. :D

Even folded, the letterforms invite you to touch them.

Calligraphic Chalk Bucket List

Check out my latest commission! A bucket list artfully handcrafted on a chalkboard with chalk ink markers. Had a blast. This is a big one at 48" x 24" hanging in the large hallway in a family home, surrounded by family photos.

The ink is smudge-proof when dry. Can be erased with water, and comes in lots of yummy colors.

Contact me for a quote!

Happy 2014 to all,

~Anne

Gift a Calligraphy or Bookbinding Class or Workshop!

Happy Holidays to all lovers of ink and paper!

If you're stuck trying to decide what to give your friend or relative for Christmas, consider a class or workshop! I've got lots coming up in the new year and guess what? I've lowered my prices to make it easier for students to take a class.

Listed below are upcoming January and February Calligraphy and Bookbinding classes and workshops. I teach in three locations: Binders in Buckhead on Wednesdays, Spruill in Dunwoody on Thursdays, and private lessons from my home in Decatur. Click the links for more information.

Happiest of Holidays to you and yours,

~Anne Elser

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Copperplate Calligraphy (DAY)

Beginner - Intermediate|Thursdays, 5 sessions|Jan 16, 23, 30 Feb 6, 13|1:30-4:30PM|$160|Min. 5/Max.10|Location:Spruill

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Copperplate Calligraphy (EVE)

Beginner - Intermediate|Thursdays, 5 sessions|Jan 16, 23, 30 Feb 6, 13|6-9PM|$160|Min. 5/Max.10|Location: Spruill

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Calligraphy 1: Italic (EVE)

Beginner - Intermediate|Wednesdays, 6 sessions|Jan 7, 14, 21, 28 Feb 4, 11|6-8:30PM|$160|Min. 5/Max.10|Location:Binders Art School

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Calligraphy 2: Copperplate (EVE)

Beginner - Intermediate|Wednesdays, 6 sessions|6-8:30PM|$160|Min.5/Max.10|Jan 8, 15, 22, 29 Feb 5, 12|Location: Binders Art School

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Italic Calligraphy (EVE)

Beginner - Intermediate|Thursdays, 5 sessions|Feb 20, 27 Mar 6, 13, 20|6-9PM|$160|Min. 5/Max.10|Location: Spruill

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Tape-Bound Book & Slipcase Bookbinding Weekend Workshop

All Levels|Sat Jan. 11 - Sun Jan. 12|11AM-4:30PM|$160|Min.5/Max.10|Location: Binders Art School

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Copperplate Calligraphy Weekend Workshop 

Sat Feb 22 - Sun Feb 23 - $160|11AM-4:30PM|Min.5/Max.10|Beginner/Intermediate|

Location:Binders Art School

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Beginning Bookbinding (DAY)

Beginning-Intermediate|

Thursdays, 5 sessions|Feb 20, 27 Mar 6, 13, 20|1:30-4:30PM|$160|Min. 5/Max.16|Location:Spruill

Wedding Anniversary Vows

Recent work for a client - their Wedding Vows hand lettered for an Anniversary Gift. It's very gratifying producing work you know will be framed and treasured in the home of a couple who love each other for years to come.

This piece was done with a Nikko G pen in an oblique holder with Windsor & Newton gouache in navy and red, and highlighted with Fine Tec metallic gouache.

I suspect this will be a Christmas morning gift. Wish I could be there!

~Anne

Anne Elser Shop

Check out my new store! 

AnneElserShop

I've got three cards available for sale and more on the way. Woot!

Botanical Table Name Paintings

Done for a recent bride, these paintings were framed and sat at the Wedding Reception tables in Piedmont Park, instead of table numbers. Wish I could have been there, but the paintings were so much fun. Gouache applied as ink for lettering with a pointed pen, and with a brush for the plant forms. And when the MOB saw them, she cried. :) Always a great sign - happy tears.

To see the full album and closeups, go here!

~Anne

Case Bound Book Weekend Workshop at Spruill next weekend!

Stitch, fold, & glue a book with friends you've yet to meet,
with help from Anne Elser all along the way. 

Case Bound Bookbinding Weekend Workshop

Beginner-Intermediate
Sat-Sun 2 sessions

10-4:30PM
$190
Nov 9-10, 2013

Location: Spruill Center for the Arts

Save $20.00 with a Membership- New & Renewal

Course Number:

134PPWB020

Dates:

Su, Sa, November 9-10, 2013
    Check for other dates or times

Sessions:

2

Meets:

10:00 AM to 4:30 PM

Instructor:

Anne Elser

Fee:

$210  Fee Breakdown

Course Description

Spend a delightful weekend making your own Case Bound Book! Learn to make a book block of pierced and folded blank pages that are stitched together and then glued. Create a custom cover and spine with raw chipboard you then cover with imported handmade papers (Washi Paper). Case books are both sturdy and handsome and feature a supported spine, bookmark and headbands. It is the most recognized book type and is built to last on bookshelves for years to come. This functional, decorative work of art makes a great gift for you or someone who would enjoy filling it! We'll take a break to eat lunch both days and by the end of class, you'll be very proud of your first Case Bound book. Supply List available on www.spruillarts.org.

   
There is no Supply List for this course.

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There are still openings remaining at this time.

A valid credit card will be required for payment. Please have your card information ready.

Return to Course Listing

November Broad Edge Calligraphy Classes

November 6th & 7th I've got two new Afternoon and Evening 6-week Italic Calligraphy classes starting in different Atlanta locations (Buckhead and Dunwoody).

The broad edge provides a wide swash of ink in which once can swim and play and dance. Learning to lay down that much power in one stroke is a powerful sensation. With calligraphy, there are carefully placed strokes, gifting a blank white thirsty page. Each stroke is placed at a specific angle, in a specific sequence and at an easy, slow pace. It just plain feels good.

An Italic calligraphy class is a wonderful way to jump into calligraphy. It feeds your soul, calms the mind, relaxes the body, and provides years and years of delight for the maker, and the recipient - if you'd like to share it.

Click the links below to sign up for a class!

Wednesday Evening Italic Calligraphy with Anne Elser at Binders Art Supply in Buckhead

Details

Calligraphy One: Italic with Anne Elser

6 Sessions | Beginner to Intermediate

ARTZ1314 | Wednesdays, November 6 - December 18, 6 - 8:30pm

 

Description:

The Italic calligraphic hand is one of the most widely used and versatile alphabets around. It's generously wide strokes, produced with a broad edge nib can easily be dressed up or down. Italic is the perfect hand to learn for the beginning calligrapher yet versatile enough to experiment with for the advanced. During this six week course, students will be given handouts and guide sheets, learning the upper and lower case characters. We will also cover spacing and layout for addressing envelopes. Calligraphy is less about pretty handwriting and more about DRAWING each and every letter. It's about establishing a pacing and rhythmic motion as you write - giving you a consistency of shapes and letters, and spaces in between words and lines. It is highly relaxing and meditative. Like yoga for the hands, it centers, calms, and enchants the person making as well as and the person admiring it.

THIS CLASS IS AT OUR ATLANTA STORE.

Additional Information

SKU	ARTZ1314
Oversized Item	No
Brand Name	Binders Art
Department Name	ART RELATED MATERIALS
Unit of Sale	No
Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$190.00

During this six week art class, students will be given handouts and guide sheets, learning the upper and lower case characters.

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THURSDAY AFTERNOON ITALIC CALLIGRAPHY WITH ANNE ELSER AT SPRUILL

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Save $20.00 with a Membership- New & Renewal

Course Number:

134DACA210

Dates:

Thursday, November 7 - December 19, 2013
    Check for other dates or times

Exception Dates:

No class 11/28

Sessions:

6

Meets:

1:30 PM to 4:00 PM

Instructor:

Anne Elser

Fee:

$210  Fee Breakdown

Course Description

The Italic calligraphic hand is one of the most widely used and versatile alphabets around. It's generously wide strokes, produced with a broad edge nib, can easily be dressed up or down. Italic is the perfect hand to learn for the beginning calligrapher yet versatile enough to experiment with for the advanced. During the six-week course, students will be given handouts and guide sheets, learning the upper and lower case characters. We will also address spacing and layout for addressing envelopes. This class is appropriate for Beginner to Intermediate students.

   
Supply List

---

There are still openings remaining at this time.

A valid credit card will be required for payment. Please have your card information ready.

Return to Course Listing

Beginning Bookbinding at Spruill begins next Tuesday evening!

BEGINNING BOOKBINDING WITH ANNE ELSER

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Save $20.00 with a Membership- New & Renewal

Course Number:

134PPBB010

Dates:

Tuesday, September 17 - October 22, 2013  Check for other dates or times

Sessions:

6

Meets:

6:00 PM to 8:30 PM

Instructor:

Anne Elser

Fee:

$210  Fee Breakdown

Course Description

If you enjoy stitching, paper, and color in the company of good friends, you'll love this beginning bookbinding class. In Bookbinding 1, discover the fascinating anatomy of a book from cover to spine to fly sheet and how to make one sing in the spirit of good craftsmanship while celebrating your own aesthetic. Not only will you learn to make books (4!) and a custom slipcase for one of them, you'll be making the tools used to create them that make the process easy and enjoyable. Detailed handouts and an inventive and caring instructor are waiting for your heart and hands. This course is great for all crafters, artists, and scrapbookers of all levels and for those who want help in luring their creative side to the surface. Projects included: Piercing Cradle, The Merfect, Side Stab Books, Coptic Book with Visible Spine, Tape Bound Book, Slip Case, and a Case Bound Book. Supply List available on www.spruillarts.org.

Download the Supply List

Copperplate Calligraphy Classes (day and night) begin this Thursday at Spruill!

CALLIGRAPHY: COPPERPLATE WITH ANNE ELSER: 1:30-4PM

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Save $20.00 with a Membership- New & Renewal

Course Number:

134DACA250

Dates:

Thursday, September 12 - October 17, 2013  Check for other dates or times

Sessions:

6

Meets:

1:30 PM to 4:00 PM

Instructor:

Anne Elser

Fee:

$210  Fee Breakdown

Course Description

This is an introductory look at Copperplate, an elegant and elastic hand frequently used for formal invitations, documents and bridal events. Completely enchanting, the dramatic thicks and thins of this delicate hand will make you swoon. During the six-week course, students will be given handouts and guide sheets, learning the upper and lower case characters. We will also address spacing and layout for addressing envelopes. This class is appropriate for Beginner to Intermediate students.

   
Supply List

---

There are still openings remaining at this time.

A valid credit card will be required for payment. Please have your card information ready.

Return to Course Listing

CALLIGRAPHY: COPPERPLATE WITH ANNE ELSER 6-8PM

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Save $20.00 with a Membership- New & Renewal

Course Number:

134DACA260

Dates:

Thursday, September 12 - October 17, 2013  Check for other dates or times

Sessions:

6

Meets:

6:00 PM to 8:30 PM

Instructor:

Anne Elser

Fee:

$210  Fee Breakdown

Course Description

This is an introductory look at Copperplate, an elegant and elastic hand frequently used for formal invitations, documents and bridal events. Completely enchanting, the dramatic thicks and thins of this delicate hand will make you swoon. During the six-week course, students will be given handouts and guide sheets, learning the upper and lower case characters. We will also address spacing and layout for addressing envelopes. This class is appropriate for Beginner to Intermediate students.

   
Supply List

---

There are still openings remaining at this time.

A valid credit card will be required for payment. Please have your card information ready.

Return to Course Listing

Calligraphic Hand-Painted Anniversary or Wedding Hankerchief

Ever since my wedding vow hankies made it to the pages of Martha Stewart Real Weddings, I've had a lot of requests for more. But at $340 per hankie, not a lot of newlyweds have that extra money in their budgets to have two hankies made, each with the vows they read to their intended, as they walk down the aisle. What makes these worth the expense, though, is that you've got a family heirloom waiting to be framed and hung on the wall for generations to admire. And you've also helped put my son through college. :)

If two hankies isn't in your budget, this anniversary present might suit you just fine. Select the best portion of your wedding vows to be painted on one hankie, along with your names and the date of your wedding. Keep it under 40 words, choose a linen color and poof - you're set to go.

You might also select to have me calligraph just one name, or create a monogram, or a specific piece for something blue to carry down the aisle, or one for each of your groomsmen or bridesmaids. There are infinite options.

The paint I use is permanent fabric paint and stands up very well to multiple washings. I'm a hankie user myself - preferring the feel of fabric as opposed to kleenex. You can use your hankie for one year, then frame it at your following anniversary.

I actually still have the table napkin my great, great grandfather used on the ship during his immigration from Norway to Ellis Island. My aunt framed it and left the butter stains intact - so you get a glimmer of the full experience of how our family started in this country. It tells such a wonderful story.

Want to see more Anniversary hankie shots? Go here to browse the full collection. 

Go here to see the process shots from sketch to final. 

Go here to see other hand-painted linen ideas from hankies to hand towels.